Although Genevieve is only 5.5 months and has of 
It has been patiently living in our attic since our move, just waiting for the day when Genevieve would be big enough to play. At first glance it can be kind of scary. I mean it has gizmos and gadgets (not to mention a big squeaky snail) sticking out all over. It also makes lots of strange loud noises.
At first, Geneveive gazed at it with awe from the safety of mom's arms. From afar it didn't look so bad. However, sitting in it was out of the question. I mean I can't blame the babe as being swallowed-up to your middle by a strange Big Blue Monster that tips and spins a little with each movement would likely put anyone out of their comfort zone. The first attempt failed before she even made it in the seat. The second attempt lasted about 10 seconds.
The third attempt, she decided to think about it. The fear seemed to have left, but it was still strange.
This marked the beginning of the Big Blue Monster's transformation, which was not unlike that of Sulley's from Monsters Inc. At first his goal was to generate screams, but when encountering a sweet little girl that could giggle and smile, he discovered that laughter and happiness was much more powerful than fear.
Now Genevieve and the Big Blue Monster are good friends. She loves to spend time in it and is quickly learning how to maneuver herself around so she can grasp, push, tap, and spin the different gizmos. It gives her a little independence as she can sit, stand, or spin when she likes without mom's help.
Today she was especially interested in spinning the plastic tube with little balls. Check out her developing finger manipulation skills.
I love Spring. And no, your eyes did not deceive you, I have included a picture full of snow in my Visions of Springtime collection. These pictures were all taken at my home within the last week. Living in northern states, Springtime often includes one or two late snow storms. I have heard many people say that it is not Spring until after the last snow storm or when it warms to at least 60 degrees. I whole-heartily disagree. When you classify Spring this way, you miss many of the wonderful joys of Spring. I get so excited when I see Spring's first signs--which often appear in March, or a month where snow is in fact repeatedly expected. Specifically, I love to see budding trees, the first sprigs of green grass, the leaves of spring bulbs prying out of the soil, and of course flowers of all kinds. At my previous home, I could tell you that the first flowers to appear were small and white and bloomed on a hill below the medical library. I looked for them every year. In my new home, I was overjoyed to see all kinds of Spring flowers coming up in different places in my yard. It was especially fun to see little yellow and blue flowers come up on the grassy hills. They were certainly unexpected bursts of color in the still brown colored lawn.
